Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys did a 2 night stay at the OLG stage this past weekend. The band is been at it for over 60 years on the road and are considered one of the most successful bands of all time. They have sold over 100 million records and their influences are everywhere. This tour is dubbed “Endless Summer Gold.’ The band is still led by original vocalist Mike Love and longtime member Bruce Johnstone. They were backed by 7 other wonderful musicians.
They opened up with a 1968 stand alone single in “Do It Again.” Most consider The Beach Boys the forefathers of bands using luscious harmonies to fill in their background sounds. Witnessing The Beach Boys at the OLG stage, the harmonies are still there. Just the names have changed. Almost all of the members had a hand in singing lead vocals. While all the others provided the lush harmonies. Drummer Jon Bolton playing style reminded me much of Keith Moon. He even had a few Animal (From the Muppets) puppets around his kit and his mannerisms reminded me of “Moon the Loon.” Both Love and Johnstone had lead vocals but the band they surrounded themselves with were the real stars of show. The Beach Boys paid homage to its former members by dedicating a few tunes. Love talked about writing the song with Brian Wilson “The Warmth of the Sun” the night before President Kennedy was assassinated. He dedicated this song to his cousin Brian. The band dedicated “God Only Knows” to the late Carl Wilson. They also dedicated “Do You Want to Dance” to the late Dennis Wilson.
The band played an hour and 45 minute set and did all of their hits. From “Surfin’ Safari” Through “Fun, Fun, Fun” and a little ‘Kokomo” thrown in for good measure. Everything was covered at this show. What else was remarkable as fans of all ages were in attendance. You don’t usually see that but it shows you how timeless The Beach Boys music truly is!
Setlist:
Do It Again
Surfin’ Safari
Cath A Wave
Hawaii
Don’t Back Down
Rockaway Beach (Ramones cover)
Surfin’ U.S.A.
Surfer Girl
Don’t Worry Baby
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
Little Honda
I Get Around
In My Room
Getcha Back
You’re So Good to Me
When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)
Darlin’
The Warmth of the Sun
God Only Knows
California Dreamin’ (The Mamas and Papas cover)
Sloop John B (Traditional cover)
Wouldn’t Be Nice
California Girls
Then I Kissed Her
Do You Wanna Dance? (Bobby Freeman cover)
Help Me, Rhonda
Rock and Roll Music (Chuck Berry cover)
Barbara Ann (The Regents cover)
Kokomo
Good Vibrations
Fun, Fun, Fun
We would like to thank Erin Stitt from the Fallsview Casino for the credentials to review the show.
